Next-generation facility expected to generate $25 billion in economic impact and create 450 jobs
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (Dec. 9, 2025) — Eli Lilly and Company today announced plans to invest more than $6 billion to build a next-generation pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama, marking the largest initial private investment in Alabama’s history. The project is expected to create 450 high-skill full-time jobs and generate an estimated $25 billion in long-term economic impact across the region.
The state-of-the-art facility will manufacture small-molecule synthetic and peptide medicines, including future treatments for obesity, cardiovascular disease, and neurological conditions. The Huntsville site will also manufacture orforglipron, Lilly’s first oral small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, which the company expects to submit to global regulators for obesity treatment by the end of this year.
“As the demand for innovative medicines continues to grow, this facility will help ensure reliable access for patients while strengthening America’s pharmaceutical supply chain,” said David A. Ricks, chair and CEO of Eli Lilly and Company. “Huntsville’s deep scientific talent, advanced manufacturing strengths, and ready infrastructure made it the clear choice for this investment.”
Major Economic and Workforce Impact
Construction on the facility is expected to begin in 2026, supporting approximately 3,000 construction jobs, with operations projected to come online by 2032. The 450 permanent positions will include engineers, scientists, operations staff, and laboratory technicians.
According to the company, each dollar invested by Lilly is expected to generate up to $4 in additional local economic activity, with significant spillover effects across supply chain, logistics, retail, and professional services.
“This investment represents a defining moment for Alabama,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “Our state has a proud biosciences legacy, and Lilly’s decision to invest at this scale confirms that Alabama is a powerhouse for innovation, advanced manufacturing, and life-saving research.”
Strategic Site Selection
The Huntsville facility will be located at Greenbrier South, a site selected from more than 300 competitive locations nationwide. Its proximity to the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology—a nationally recognized genomics and workforce development hub—was a key factor in Lilly’s decision.
“Huntsville offers a unique ecosystem where research, talent, and advanced manufacturing intersect,” said Neil Lamb, president of HudsonAlpha. “Our mission has always been to help create the environment that attracts companies like Eli Lilly, and this announcement validates that vision.”
Advanced Technology and Sustainability
Lilly plans to integrate machine learning, artificial intelligence, digital automation, and advanced analyticsthroughout the facility to enhance quality, efficiency, and reliability. The site is expected to set new benchmarks for sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing, with innovative processes designed to minimize waste and support carbon-neutral operations.
“This will be the most advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing plant Lilly has ever built,” Ricks said. “It reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and long-term investment in the U.S.”
Broad Support from State and Local Leaders
- “Huntsville has built a global reputation as a place where complex challenges are solved every day,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “Lilly’s investment is a tremendous vote of confidence in our workforce, our infrastructure, and our future.”
- U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) called the project a milestone for domestic manufacturing. “This investment reinforces ‘Made in Alabama’ as the gold standard and highlights America’s resurgence in advanced manufacturing and biomedical innovation.”
Part of Larger U.S. Expansion Strategy
The Alabama announcement is the third of four new U.S. manufacturing sites Lilly plans to unveil as part of a broader strategy to expand domestic medicine production. Earlier this year, the company announced new facilities in Texas and Virginia, along with an expansion in Puerto Rico. Another U.S. site announcement is expected in the coming weeks.
